When I began Shabby Chic nearly 30 years ago my mission was to create a world of timeless beauty. I am not an educated designer, so my only resource has been from my imagination and intuition. While the core of my business is home furnishings, I am very drawn to art as it adds a layer of storytelling. My appreciation goes way back, from the days when my Mama painted in her little back room. Sometimes I connect with simple decorative florals or landscapes that I come across at the flea markets, however it was a special day while on a visit to London a few years ago when I was introduced to Jorunn Mulen.
She is currently based in Norway, where she returned after gaining her Masters in Arts Illustration at Falmouth College of Art UK. I had seen some of her art and was instantly captivated by the soulfulness of her work that she calls Poetic Portraits. While the art in itself is a visual experience, there is a quiet narrative that come along with each piece. I see much of Jorunn in her work, a gentle, deep, soulful beauty.
Humbly beautiful Jorunn in her studio.
Her medium of choice is acrylic on canvas and water colour on paper.
Last year I wanted to include her story in my book "My Floral Affair" (available online and in-store) so I took the journey to visit her in her little teeny tiny studio in Bergen Norway.
As small as her window is, the light reflects off the white stone walls creating a magical light. Her paint palettes and her quiet little vases of flowers compliment her painting in process. Upstairs from her studio is her equally teeny apartment that she shares with her daughter. Humble beauty at its finest.
Jorunn and her daughter when she was small.
Once a year she attends an artist in residency course in Apricale, Italy, where her inspiration gets refueled. Over the years Jorunn has built a loyal following of collections worldwide. Her work aesthetically and emotionally compliments the story telling experience in our Santa Monica, CA store.
Taken from Jorunn's artist in residency course that she attends.
7 comments
Thank you so much for allowing us a glimpse into yet another world of beauty.I can`t tell you how much I have enjoyed reading and viewing this beautiful artist`s work and life.As with you, Rachel ,always a delight that I treasure to see what you`ve got to share with us, your loving devoted “fans”…if you will, for want of a better word, which would be…"extended family…best wishes for you and yours this blessed holiday season.
Thank you so much for allowing us a glimpse into yet another world of beauty.I can`t tell you how much I have enjoyed reading and viewing this beautiful artist`s work and life.As with you, Rachel ,always a delight that I treasure to see what you`ve got to share with us, your loving devoted “fans”…if you will, for want of a better word, which would be…"extended family…best wishes for you and yours this blessed holiday season.
Love that gift to self of of having a Jorunn painting of daughters! I just turned 60 and would be so special to have for the rest of my life! Is that possible?
Hello
I love your painting.
Can this be bought?
Thank you
I’m grateful you have introduced me to Jorunn’s art and her inspiring world of quiet beauty. I also feel a soulfulness, that “there is a quiet narrative that come along with each piece” of her art.
Leave a comment